One of our hosts told us about Rock of Ages so we decided to check it out and we are glad we did.Our tour guide was very informative and we were luck enough to be the only 2 people on the tour so we could ask all the questions we wanted.Will tell people that Rock of Ages is a "must see"After the tour we sandblasted our own piece of granite to use as a potholder!
The Rock of Ages Quarry was one of the top locations on our agenda when we were planning our trip to Vermont. We drove up from the Killington area and had a beautiful drive on a gorgeous fall day. The quarry was easy to find and there was plenty of visitor parking. The staff in the visitor center were very friendly and made sure we were aware of the activities available to us. Our tour guide was very knowledgable and was eager to answer our questions. Our shuttle (a school bus) drove us to an observation area where we could watch the drilling, etc. After the guided tour, you can go in the plant and watch from an observation deck as the monuments are being made. This is an amazing process from start to finish. This is a must do if in the Barre/Graniteville area. Be sure and go on to Hope Cemetery afterwards to view some of the granite artwork there. These employees are true artists as they transform huge chunks of raw granite to beautiful works of art.
Fun stop if you have never been to a granite quarry! Amazing to see how it's done plus you can take a piece of granite as a souvenir -Free! These are true artisans and you gain an appreciation for the work that goes into transforming something from the earth to a finished product. They offer a short movie on the history and then take an informative bus tour to the actual quarry. Pricing is extremely affordable !
Most people know very little about headstones, but even fewer know anything about the extensive process behind quarrying granite. Truly fascinating to anyone of any age 8 and up. The quarry itself is... you just have to see it for yourself. It will blow your mind how big it is. And there's much more to take in at the Rock of Ages manufacturing plant. The staff here are all super friendly and answered every question so nicely.
You enter the visitors center/gift shop to pay for your tour. You are given a bus ticket and then board a school bus that takes you out to the quarry. All along the way you are given a geological history of the land and a history of how granite has been quarried throughout the years. The quarry is quite impressive! You are then taken back to the factory where you can observe the sculptors and polishers at work. Great tour, educational and informative.
My Papa's headstone was made here and it is honestly one of the most beautiful headstones I have seen. My father and uncle drew the picture and Rock of Ages cooperated with them 100%. While my parents, aunts, and uncles were working on the headstone, us grandchildren were kept occupied as well with a video and a tour. The person that showed us around was great with people and kids. It was overall a great experience and beautiful handiwork!
We were told about this place from a VT local on the ferry to Burlington and they said it was a must-see visit. WOW, were they right on. The quarry tour is fun, informative and short. Easy to find, no crowds and plenty of parking at the visitor center. Be sure to see the cemetery a short distance away where the granite sculpture work is worth seeing.
I was impressed with the visitor's center at the Rock of Ages plant. There is a variety of tools used on display alongside many examples of products made with the granite. The video was actually pretty well put-together and presented a good overview of the history behind the industry and the area. With amazing memorials being only a short drive away in Hope Cemetery, I would highly recommend that visitors make this stop.
I grew up in this area, but had never been on the Rock of Ages tour. I was surprised with how much I did not know about the industry. It gives you a great overview of the process, from removing it from the ground to the finished product.
We enjoyed a very informative tour of the granite quarry. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Compared to some tours the price was relatively inexpensive. We went in to the factory but since it was Saturday, there was only a few people working. Amazing to see how large this operation really is!!